A pulsating dance production will celebrate the spirit of resilience, triumph and unity of SA’s unsung heroes on Thursday at the 2024 Udaba Dance Festival.
The festival, boasting some of the best productions selected from across the country, was launched at the Mendi Arts Centre on Monday evening and will run until December 24.
The annual event, formerly known as the Shukuma Provincial Dance Festival, is being hosted by the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, in association with Qhama Africa.
Qhama Africa founder Mninawa Mangweni of Kwazakhele decided to partner with the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex in 2022 to host an Experimental Stage to cultivate the growth of dance in the province — and so it grew.
Amazwi Amaqhawe (Voices of Heroes), a 45-minute long contemporary dance production fused with modern elements is one of the few local productions selected to perform on the festival’s main stage.
Producer Tawuya Mushaika, from Soweto-on-Sea, said he was humbled to be given the opportunity to showcase his production, which was developed and produced within six months.
“The production pays homage to all those who gave up their lives so we could be free,” he said.
“The dance does not speak to freedom in the material aspects but on the spiritual and cultural aspects.
“As the production begins, the laying down of the dancers symbolises the spirits that are in our midst which we cannot necessarily see through the naked eye but we can feel.”
The cast includes East London performers Siyamthanda Bonte, Kamva Muti, Nosphiwo Kungeka, Unathi Xenti and Simvuyele Hala.
Mushaike, who is also the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of SA Eastern Cape provincial secretary, said the performing arts were thriving in the metro.
Attributing this achievement to the efforts of the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex and the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, he said more young people were being introduced to the art of dance in the metro.
“Dance transcends linguistic and geographical boundaries, providing a shared experience that celebrates human diversity and creativity,” he said.
“I would like to take this production to different festivals across SA and the opportunity of staging it at the Udaba Dance Festival gives it a status that is unparalleled.
“I hope the audiences can learn to appreciate life, live it to the fullest, understand as people we have a privilege that those who are dearly departed cannot enjoy or ever get back, but it is through them that we have that privilege.”
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